The Function of Surface Hydroxyl Groups of Incorporated Alumina on Catalytic Ozonation of Heavy Oil Produced Water

ABSTRACT

γ-Al₂O₃ was incorporated with SiO₂ and used as carrier to support Ni and Cu oxides for catalytic ozonation of heavy oil produced water. The change of catalytic activity was in accordance with that of surface hydroxyl density after incorporation or reuse of catalysts. Nitrogen adsorption and X-ray power diffraction analysis indicated that the specific surface area decreased and the mineral phase and crystal structure of metal oxides unchanged after incorporation. The results confirmed that the neutral surface hydroxyl groups of the carrier were the active sites during catalytic ozonation. Increasing of surface hydroxyl could be another way of improving the catalytic efficiency of catalytic ozonation.